Top 5 hiking trails in Niagara Falls region – great for day trips

If you’re looking to spend some time outdoors around the Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, here are 5 suggestions of beautiful outdoor parks or hiking trails to enjoy.

Don’t forget to check the Google Maps links to the locations at the bottom of the post.

White Water Park

The White Water Park is a popular attraction at Niagara Falls, which is located on the border of Ontario and New York State. The park is situated on the Canadian side of the falls and offers a range of exciting water activities for visitors to enjoy.

The White Water Park features a series of artificial rapids and waterfalls that are designed to provide a thrilling and challenging experience for visitors. The rapids are created using a series of gates and channels that control the flow of water, creating a series of waves and currents that simulate the natural flow of a river.

In addition to the rapids, the White Water Park also offers other water activities, such as kayaking, rafting, and stand-up paddleboarding. The park also has a beach area where visitors can relax and enjoy the views of the falls.

The White Water Park is a popular destination for families, thrill-seekers, and water sports enthusiasts. It offers a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty and power of Niagara Falls.

The class 6 rapids at White Water Walk comprise North America’s largest series of standing waves, and visitors have the chance to get within a few feet of the water at several viewing platforms along the edge of the river. 

Looking upriver from the lower level of the first platform provides a great photo opportunity with the Whirlpool Rapids Railroad Bridge framing your shot above the crashing waves.

Niagara Glen Nature Area

The Niagara Glen Nature Area is a popular attraction at Niagara Falls, which is located on the border of Ontario and New York State. The nature area is situated on the Canadian side of the falls and offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.

The Niagara Glen Nature Area is a 4,000-acre nature reserve that features a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The nature area is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, including over 800 species of trees and shrubs, as well as over 200 species of birds.

The nature area offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. There are several hiking trails that wind through the forests and offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The trails range in difficulty and length, so there is something for hikers of all levels.

In addition to the hiking trails, the Niagara Glen Nature Area also has a visitor center where visitors can learn about the natural history of the area and see displays of local plants and animals. The nature area also offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors who want to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Overall, the Niagara Glen Nature Area is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers visitors a chance to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of Niagara Falls.

Whirlpool River Park to Whirlpool Beach

If you’re looking for a short but intense hiking experience, you can take the approximately 200 steps down and then up to Whirlpool Beach. Beautiful scenery and a great workout for the entire family.

The Whirlpool River Park is a popular attraction at Niagara Falls, which is located on the border of Ontario and New York State. The park is situated on the Canadian side of the falls and offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.

The Whirlpool River Park is a scenic area that features a series of trails and paths that wind along the Niagara River. The park offers beautiful views of the river, the falls, and the surrounding landscape.

One popular destination within the park is Whirlpool Beach, which is a sandy beach area located at the mouth of the Niagara River. The beach offers beautiful views of the river and the falls, and is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

In addition to the beach, the Whirlpool River Park also offers other activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching. The park has several hiking trails that offer beautiful views of the river and the surrounding landscape.

Overall, Whirlpool River Park and Whirlpool Beach are popular destinations for visitors who want to explore the natural beauty of Niagara Falls and enjoy the outdoors.

Dufferin Islands Nature Area

Explore 10 acres of paradise, where wooden footbridges connect small, secluded islands. You may be surprised at the wildlife you find in this popular escape, Niagara’s hidden secret.

The Dufferin Islands Nature Area is a popular attraction at Niagara Falls, which is located on the border of Ontario and New York State. The nature area is situated on the Canadian side of the falls and offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.

The Dufferin Islands Nature Area is a series of small islands that are located in the Niagara River, near the base of the falls. The islands are covered with forests and are home to a diverse range of plants and animals.

The nature area offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. There are several hiking trails that wind through the forests and offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The trails range in difficulty and length, so there is something for hikers of all levels.

In addition to the hiking trails, the Dufferin Islands Nature Area also has a visitor center where visitors can learn about the natural history of the area and see displays of local plants and animals. The nature area also offers guided tours and educational programs for visitors who want to learn more about the local flora and fauna.

Overall, the Dufferin Islands Nature Area is a beautiful and peaceful destination that offers visitors a chance to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of Niagara Falls.

Dufferin Islands Nature Area is a nice quaint island with some trails on the property. Makes for a nice afternoon stroll. Lots of geese and ducks in the water and birds on the trails. Located across the street from the falls and rapids it makes for a nice diverse walk.

Niagara River Recreation Trail

The Niagara River Recreation Trail is a popular attraction at Niagara Falls, which is located on the border of Ontario and New York State. The trail is situated on the Canadian side of the falls and offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.

The Niagara River Recreation Trail is a 33-kilometer-long trail that follows the Niagara River from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. The trail is part of the Niagara Parks system and is open to the public.

The trail offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The trail is well-maintained and offers beautiful views of the river, the falls, and the surrounding landscape.

In addition to the hiking and biking trails, the Niagara River Recreation Trail also has several scenic overlooks where visitors can stop and take in the views. The trail also has several interpretive signs that provide information about the natural history of the area.

Overall, the Niagara River Recreation Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the natural beauty of Niagara Falls.

Google Maps Links

If you visit Niagara Falls, don’t miss these hiking trails.